Is smoking a risk factor for CVA?

Smoking is indeed a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), commonly known as strokes. The harmful substances in tobacco smoke can damage blood vessels, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in arteries), and promote clot formation. When blood vessels in the brain become narrowed or blocked due to these factors, it increases the likelihood of a stroke occurring.

Research has shown that smokers face a higher risk for both ischemic strokes, which result from blocked arteries, and hemorrhagic strokes, which occur from ruptured blood vessels. Furthermore, the risk associated with smoking is cumulative and increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking.

While certain age groups or combinations with other habits may influence stroke risk, smoking alone is a well-established independent risk factor. It is one of the most preventable causes of stroke, which highlights the importance of smoking cessation as a public health goal to reduce the incidence of CVAs.